[bkfizz02]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
there is an equally likely chance that they do have the card as if they don't.

[/ QUOTE ]

[/ QUOTE ]

technically, this isn't true / what is meant, right

There is a much better chance that they don't have the card, than they do. But there is an equal chance that any given card will appear in any given slot in the deck after shuffling...just mincing words...

I've got a second solution, too:

Suppose you are just sitting at a table, you shuffle the deck completely and you only deal one hand. Let it be suited. Next, turn over the next four cards. At this point, if there are 2 cards of your suit showing, you can calculate the odds of catching a fifth card of your suit on the river.

Now, repeat this shuffling, but instead of giving yourself the first 2 cards, give yourself the first and third cards, and place cards 5-8 inclusive on the table. What are the odds the ninth card will complete your flush?

The odds are the same. If your opponent happens to have cards number 2 and 4, it doesn't affect your chances of making the flush, unless, of course, you know the specific cards your opponent is holding.

~BK